A leading businessman has been appointed as the chairman of the national Youth Sport Trust, headquartered on the Loughborough University campus.

Neil Davidson CBE is a non-executive director of Morrison’s supermarket and was chief executive of Arla Foods following its merger with Express Dairies.

He has also been chairman of Leicestershire County Cricket Club.

He will take up the post on January 1, when current chair Baroness Sue Campbell’s term of office comes to an end.

She leaves the role after 23 years of service, having established, nurtured and led the charity from day one.

She will continue in an honorary role.

Mr Davidson is currently president of Loughborough Town Cricket Club, a trustee at the United Learning academy chain, an associate governor at Ashmount Special Needs School in Loughborough and a member of the Lord’s Taverners charity.

Between 2003 and 2010 he was chairman of Leicestershire Country Cricket Club and was appointed a CBE for services to the dairy industry in 2006.

He grew up in Loughborough, attending Roseberry School and Loughborough Grammar School, and still lives in the town.

He said: “The Youth Sport Trust is an organisation full of passion, commitment and expertise which makes a positive difference to the lives of children on a huge scale.

“I am very proud to have been chosen to lead it into an exciting new era and follow in the footsteps of Baroness Campbell who has done so much for young people and for sport.

“I passionately believe that sport has a massive role to play in tackling some of the big challenges of today when we see increasing levels of obesity and mental health issues affecting young people.

“I would not be the person I am today without the significant role that sport has played in my life from an early age.

“It is incredibly important that we ensure this and future generations of children get those same opportunities.

“I’m excited to get started and help the trust continue to evolve so that in these challenging times it has the strength and resilience to continue its fantastic work building a brighter future for young people.”

Baroness Campbell said: “It has been a huge honour to build, grow and lead the work of the Trust and see the amazing impact it has had on the lives of millions of children.

“I’m delighted that I will be handing over to someone who really shares our passion for the life-changing potential of sport to improve young people’s lives.

“I am looking forward to cheering Neil on and seeing the trust continue to flourish and grow under his leadership.”